Method and apparatus for making tire ply bands



March 4, 1952 F. B. cLELAND ET Al.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING TIRE PLY BANDS Filed Feb. 25. 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet l www Q s m @y R CK S S omElFZm c .t TANOE N NLAKZ vR mw` EER T O VLAR u WCB W A n N amm E TT DL 5 L m .LAEUV.. .R HAB h FWCP w j A mw h. H T5 March 4, 1952 F. B. CLELAND ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING TIRE PLY BANDS Filed Feb. 23l 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 2.`

March 4, 1952 F. B. CLELAND x-:T Al.

METHOD AND APPRATUS FOR MAKING TIRE PLY BANDS 7 Sheets-Sheet Filed Feb. 23, 1949 WK Dmvfk NN E MAAK?. f5 7 OLR .T Y oo TEA RE M NG-B W R mamma m OZO. IDTI- A .o EMEU Y 7 mWwMB 9 Z l/ Y 5 ro 0 6 9 m 5 4 Z m \oO/ a/J Z 0 I9?. 7 oo HWS n :%A ,9

March 4, 1952 F. B. CLELAND ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING TIRE PLY BANDS Filed Feb. 23, 1949 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 TZEL.

vh' ATTORNEYS INVENToRs FRED -B. CLELAND WALTER BARANECRY CHESTER R. KoLK E. wE

N PAUL NW www March 4, 1952 F. B. CLELAND ET Al.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING TIRE PLY BANDS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 25, 1949 EQ2 Samb wHQkOSH hHlOlkNQ mAH ATTORN EYS March 4, 1952 F. B. CLELAND ET AL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKI NG TIRE PLY' BANDS 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 23, 1949 s w RD ONrCLMrLtM MANOZ ,Y ELAKT VUHM .E mcBRw BRWE ET DTSL www R FWCP ATTORNEYS METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING TIRE PLY BANDS 7V Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Feb. 23, 1949 6 7 z m P wmv oo 0" Z N 7 7 7 Z l SA OE n qw u n n ETW H LA .E E H P WCB HW M H VERNE m l DTSL ik; WWCPB 1v M m F m Z S Patented Mar. 4, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKIN TIRE PLY BANDS Application February 23, 1949, SerialNo. 77,882

39 Claims.

This invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for forming fabric ply bands such as those used in the manufacture of pneumatic cord tires.

Pneumatic tire casings are made by placing a number of superposed layers of weftless cord fabric material about a form and wrapping the margins of the ply material about a pair of spaced parallel inextensible circular bead anchorages. ations are used in the building up of tire bands or carcasses. It has been found advantageous and economical in most instances to separately prepare annular bands of the rubberized cord ply material apart from the actual building of tire casings on forms or drums. These prefabricated ply bands, iiexible annuluses of predetermined length or size so as to t about the intended building form or drum, are then furnished to the tire builder who places them about the circular building form.`

Large or heavy duty tires such as those for trucks and busses incorporate a great number of plies, eight to twelve or more being not uncommon. In making tire casings of this character the tire builder places or lays up several ply bands, each of two or more layers or thicknesses of rubberized cord material, about the building form or drum one on top of another. The. cord fabric material used, customarily of the bias cut weftless type in which the individual cords are disposed in parallel relation to one another and held in place by the sheet-like rubber material in which they are embedded., is. supplied to the band builder in rolls as. a continuous sheet or ribbon.V The cords` are diagonally disposed across the width of each ply band, the cords in successive layers of the ply material` being arranged in opposite directions.

It is also customary to interpose thin layers or sheetsY of uncured gum rubber stock between the layers of the cord` ply material in theY bands. This gum rubber isY supplied in rolls as a continuous sheet or ribbon referred to as squeegee" stock, usually narrower than the WidthV of the ply band. This squeegee stock augments the bulk of. rubber provided about the center of the ply band body to llu betweenthe cords.-`

The building of ply bands can be tedious and time consuming because of the diiiiculty of handling. the bias cut cord ply material and the squeegee stock, all` of which is in a tacky condition. Furthermore, the subsequent laying up of the cord ply bands on` a tire` buildingform or drum is difficult if the ply bands are notl of Numerous process and form varibands, the present invention being concerned principally with the type of apparatus shown generally in United States Patent 2,295,541.

One of the principal objects of the present invention is the general improvementl of band building machines and methods so that an eperator, Working' alone, with aV nnnimuniofA training and skill, can quickly, easily, and safely ake ply bands having uniform and predetermined di'- mensional and structural characteristics.

Another object of the invention is to pvid a method of and apparatus for building bands which" reduce the manual lab`r` and effort iquired of the operator so that co'ritinoiis' pera'.- tion through normal Work periods is witliiit o'bjectionable fatigue and witioiit serious danger;

Another object relates' to the provision of greater flexibility of pefatin, permitting enomical and rapid iaiiiifac'tue of bands clon-- structed in, accordaewith different specifications. That is to say, the making in sequence of several series of two, three or" any desired ber of layers o'i` cord ply material, separated, lined, covered, or not by one or more layersl of gum rubber or sdueegee stock, withoutv delays or interruptions between each series for setting up the machine. As a particularf aspect'` of this phase of the invention the building of plybands having one or more layers of squeegee or gum rubber stock on theinside of the innermost layer of cord fabric material isl facilitated.-

The above and other objects1 are realized in a'. band building method employing a` tens'ioned flexible carrier' or belt, preferably ot predetermined length and rfelatii/"ly inexten'si'ble;V upon which the Iay'ersof co'rd material; squeegeeor other stock, and chafer and breaker stripsasdesired,- are laid up init any prescribed order. Sepa-ration o'f they buiflt up* band-front the carrier belt is effected by releasing the tension in the lat@i ter and stripping peering the bandtherefmma A further" object pertains tothe assembling?` of squeege'e" or gum'l rubber stock withv cord fabric materiali iria'n` improved manner. In sqeegee stock rolls the continuous ribbon or sheet of squeegee material is carriedi by a`- continuous liner' of muslin' or otherclotir fabric which serves to separate the successive layers of the rubber stock and to support the squeegee sheet' as the lai:L ter is carried.: inte assembled relation withi the cord ply material. The present band building machine employs a rotatable element-such as a drum on which the cord fabric material is' sup-'- ported.` The squeegee stock on the` cloth liner is trained about aroller' which is moved toward and` against the cord fabric material onV the drum so as to adhere themf together;` Driving forces aref applied tol both theA buildingA drum' and the squeegee applying rollery sa asE to minimize the frictional drive between the parte` and thereby assegna reduce slippage. A more precise and satisfactory placement of the squeegee stock about the band building drum or form is thus obtained. Driving the building drum or squeegee pressure roller by frictional engagementI therebetween is minimized, avoiding objectionable slippage between the roller and drum which might result in improperly placed or distributed squeegee stock or in malfunctioning of the building machine.

Other objects and advantages, which will be come apparent as the description proceeds, relate to details of construction and arrangements of parts contributing to economical manufacture and eiiicient operation of band building machines. This description-l is made in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification. Like parts throughout the several Views are indicated by the same letters and numerals of reference. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top or plan view of the band view, showing the adjustable ply material guide;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional detail, taken substantially along the line indicated at 5-5 of Fig. 3 and enlarged with respect to that gure, showing the roller or wheel supports for the movable carriages of the ply table;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view of the discharge end of the ply table unit showing the leading end 'of a strip of bias-cut ply material depending therefrom;

Fig. '7 is a side elevational view of the builder unit, with parts broken away and removed, showing the cushion-rubber or squeegee-applying roller advanced against the flexible carrier on the building drum; Fig. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view, similar to Fig. 7, showing the squeegee roller retracted and the stitching or pressure roller advanced against the building drum;

Fig. 9 is an elevational view, with parts broken away and removed, of one end of the builder unit showing the squeegeeapplying and liner takeup rolls and the drive mechanism therefor;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevational detail showing the mounting and actuating means for the electric limit switches that `are used in electrically coupling the building drum drive and the squeegee roller drive;

Fig. l1 is a combined electrical wiring and pneumatic tubing schematic diagram showing the governing controls; and

Figs. 12 through- 16 are diagrammatic views rshowing successive stages in the building of a multiple ply band using the apparatus and employing the method of the present invention, Figs. l2 through 15 representing Vertical sectional details through the building drum, ilexible carrier and related parts, and Fig. 16 representing a plan View of the building drum with the cornpleted ply band broken away and removed in -layers to show the relationships between the constituent parts thereof.

4 GENERAL The band building apparatus of the present invention, briefly described, comprises three cooperative units or machines arranged in tandem (Figs. l and 2). Ply material is furnished to the apparatus in the form of a roll R which contains a continuous strip P of bias cut rubber embedded cords wound between the turns of a cloth liner L. The roll R is mounted on a spindle or shaft I of let-olf or supply unit A for free turning about a horizontal axis. The liner L is separated from the ply material P in the let-olf unit A and is wound on a take-up roll M secured on a driven horizontal square shaft 2 of the let-o unit. From the let-off A, the ply material strip P is carried onto the horizontally shiftable carriage of a ply-feeding table or unit B. The ply table B incorporates an endless belt which supports and acts as a feeder to advance the ply material strip P onto an endless exible building carrier I0 of builder unit C. Squeegee stock in the form of a continuous thin strip S of uncured rubber is supplied in a roll T, the rubber squeegee being wrapped between the turns of cloth liner H. During the building process the liner is separated from the squeegee and wound on a taze-up roll K. The squeegee supplyand the take-up rolls T and K are mounted on square horizontal shafts II and I2, respectively, of the builder unit C.

Let-01T unit The let-off unit A comprises a supporting framework or structure 3 of metal elements having across its top an inclined apron or table top Il, providing a work surface on which to splice the trailing end of an expended ply material strip to the leading end of the succeeding or fresh strip. The ply material strip P and the liner L are drawn off the supply roll R and together are carried over an idler roller 5 and across the apron Il. Adjacent the upper edge of the apron, the liner L is trained over a horizontal idler roller S and thence downwardly to the take-up roll M on the square shaft 2. Adjacent the idler roller 8 the ply strip P is separated from the liner L and led upwardly under a rst canvas covered horizontal idler roller 'I and thence over a second canvas covered horizontal roller 8. The ply material is suspended in a festoon between the roller 8 and the ply table B, the festoon rising and falling as the ply strip P is consumed and fed. To feed the ply material into the festoon, the square shaft 2 which carries the liner take-up roll M is driven by electric motor I4 connected through reduction gearing I5 and an endless V-belt I6.

The rollers 6 and 8, of equal diameter, are connected to turn in unison as by endless friction belts running over pulleys secured on their ends. Thus, as the roller E is turned by the action of the driven shaft 2 drawing the liner L thereover, the ilegible belt connection betweenthe rollers 6 and 8 turns the latter at the same linear speed. By reason of the frictional engagement between the ply strip P and the canvas covered surface of the roller 8, the latter draws the ply material away from the liner L and feeds the ply material into the festoon.

Controlling the operation of the motor I 4 is a circuit which includes a photoelectric or lightresponsive cell I1 mounted on the structure 3 of the let-off unit. A light source of lamp I8 mounted on the supporting structure of the ply table B is focused on the photocell I'I. When the Vply material strip is drawn out of the festoon for assumer use; the'light beam' from the lamp |81 impinges:` on the photocell llandftheflatter acts-toenergizelY the* electriclmotor I4l and startztheply. material` feed. As the motor t4. drives theftake-up. rollM and-thereby feeds-tlie ply strip Pinto the festoon,

the latter descends acrossl the path ot the light beam. Whenr the festoonl interrupts the:` light beam; the photocell` Il deenergices` the electric motor i4. stopping `the ply material feed.

The ply feed table. or unit B comprisesfai-.metal supporting structure` having `uprights 2 i)` and` cross` braces. I9 mounting primary andsecondary carriages 2| and 22. The primary carriagecomprises channel shaped sidemembers 2li-and similarly shaped cross membersy 24.` The sidemembers are disposed with their channels opening toward one another. The secondary carriage 22 comprises spaced` parallel side members 34, intermediate cross members 3i and end crossimembers 45 and 46.

Depending from thecarriage side members 23 and 34 are legs 25, the lower ends of which carry stubshafts 26 mounting flanged wheel 2l. The legs 25 are secured as by cap screws 2t toblocks 29 received within the `carriage channels and` welded or otherwise secured in place; The wheels 2T of the primary carriage ride in channelshaped side frame members 3l! of the supporting structure 20. The secondary carriage wheels ride inthe side frame channels 23 `of the primary carriage. The carriage wheels 2l are spaced inwardly from the ends of the carriages, permitting longitudinal movement of the carriages with respectto one another and the supporting structure. Thus the supporting structure and the primary and secondary carriages.. each comprising side and cross members f channel form, and of substantially the same` over-all dimensions in plan form, are arranged so that the primary carriage may be moved or shifted longitudinally with respect to the supporting structure and the secondary carriage may be moved or shifted longitudinally with respect to theV primary carriage.

The shifting of` the secondary carriage on the primary carriage is effected by a pneumatically actuated double-acting piston and cylinder combination indicated at One end of the` air cylinder is secured to` one of the cross members 24 of the primary carriage, piston rod 36 being secured to a yoke 38 depending fromand secured to one of the secondary carriage cross members 3|. Another cylinder and piston combination 39 issecured to a plate 4i) supported between cross members 4 I` of the supporting structure. A double-acting piston within the cylinder is connected by piston rod 42 to a depending member 43 secured to one of the primary carriage cross frame members 24. As will later appear, the control system governing the supply ot "air to the cylinders 35 and 39 is arranged to maintain air on the rod sides of the pistons solthat the latterv are retracted in the air cylinders to retainthe carriages in the positions shown in Figs.` 1-3.

Ply material is advanced longitudinally across the-top of the secondary carriage 22 by an endless fabric belt 4T. The upper run of this belt travels over and is supported by a sheet metalapron 48 secured on the carriage cross members 3 l`, 45 and 46. At the receiving end of.` thecarriage the belt 4T is trained around a cylindrical rotatable member 49 ona horizontal shaft carried between the ends of rods 55 slidable longitudinally insguides l weldedor` otherwise secured tothe insides of thev carriage -1 sideimembers 34.` The l rodsf: project through apertures provided therefon in the:

carria'gecross member. 45, and helical coilcom.-

carriage!` endr to maintain tension` in the` belt 44l. At the otheror. dischargeV4 endvof the secondary carriage, the endless belt istrained around a` rubber-covered. roller 54 rotatable on a shaft 55 supported horizontally between the upper ends of pivoted supports 56. Thesesupport members are tiltably mounted intermediate their ends on'A aA crossirod 5.1 supported between the ends of'V extensions 58. of the carriage side members. 34.`

From the underside-of` the roller 54,.thereturn or` lower run of the endless canvas belt 41 passes under arelatively small idler roller 5:? mounted beneath the forward cross member 46 of the secondary carriage andthence over the tops of idler rollers 6E! disposed at spaced intervals alongithel length of the carriage and mounted transversely-- of the latter. The idlers 6B train the belt run over a path above the level of the actuating air cylinder 35, the belt pathbeingbetween tliearmslof thekyoke 38.

Between thelower ends of the pivoted support members 56 is mounted a` rubber-covered` cylindrical roller 62 preferably of the samef size ordiameter` as the belt-supporting roller 54. The roller 62 is rotatable on a shaft` 63, the ends of which are: secured in the tiltable members 56'. Gears 64 and 65, secured onlthe adjacent ends of the rollers 54 and 62, respectively, are connected by idler` gears 66 and 6l to effect simultaneous rotation of the rollers in opposite directions. The

therewith comprise a shiftable operating headlon` the secondary carriage. To tilt the pivoted sup"- port members 56, and thereby swing the rollers 54 and 6'2 back and forth, an air actuatable cylinder and piston combination 69 is mounted between the runs of the endless belt 4T and is connected to the carriage and to the upper ends of the tiltable support members. One end of the air cylinder is supported on a pivot pin l!! carried by a bracket 1l in the center of. the carriage cross member 46. The air cylinder'piston, double-acting, is secured on a rod l2, the outer endof which is secured to a yoke 13 spanning the roller 54 and having ends loosely received on the upper cross shaft 55. J

The ply material strip P as it is drawn onto `the secondary carriage of the table B by the movement of the endless belt is trained between V'- shaped edge guides 'I4 and l5. These: guides, formed as by folding metal plates or sheets to an acute angle, are mounted on across member 16 supported between the ends of side extensions l1 of the primary carriage. The extensions 1l are formed with elongated slots 13 which receive cap screws 'i9 threaded into the side' members 23 of the primary carriage, permitting adjustment of the guide-supporting member i6: to different distances `from the end of the carriage. The` guide 14 is mounted in xedposition on the support 'I6 adjacent thef operators side of. the machine, it being customary to operate the apparatus with the ply material strip P as close to the operators side as possible for the sake of conveniences To accommodate ply material strips of different Widths the edge guide 'l5 is adjustable along the length of the support i9. This adjustment is provided by a threaded rod S3 journalled at its ends in the side extension 1l and turned by a handcrank 82. The rod 83 which parallels the support member '|6, engages a nut 80 guided in slot 8| (Fig. 4) and secured to the guide l5. Rotation of the threaded rod 83 operates to shift the guide 15 back and forth along the support 16, the rod 83 being held in its journals against axial shifting movement. The guides 'M and 'I 5 are so arranged that the closed or folded edges thereof are disposed at an acute angle to the edges of the ply material P. The tapering opening into each of the guides, in combination with the positioning of the folded edges thereof at an acute angle to the ply material path, results in a smoothing action on the moving ply material edges and an effective lateral shifting of offset ply material to guide the latter into predetermined position on the endless belt 07.

Builder The building unit C is located at the discharge end of the ply table B adjacent the tiltable drive head of the latter. The builder comprises a supporting structure or frame which is L-shaped in plan form and includes an iron or steel plate base 84 and sets .of uprights 85, 36 and 8l. The uprights 8l carry journals for the shafts that mount the squeegee supply and take-up rolls T and K, previously mentioned above in the general description.

Surmounting the uprights is an L-shaped metal table plate 88 on which is supported squeegee applying apparatus which may correspond to that disclosed in Patent 2,295,541. It includes cast metal frame members 89 mounting a horizontal guide roller 90 over which the liner H carrying the squeegee S is drawn from the roll T. A pair of swinging arms 9| journal a roller 92 between their ends, the arms 9| being supported for free swinging movement about the axis of theA guide roller 90. the roller 92 rests by gravity on the squeegee roll T, the stock passing under the roller 92 and over the roller 90 to a horizontal pressure roller 93 by means of which the stock is applied to the substantially inextensible carrier belt I on the f squeegee stock, drawn from the roll T over the.

rollers 90 and 92 and led over the top of the roller 93, is transferred to the carrier belt i9 or ply stock thereon. The fabric liner is carried from the underside of the roller 93 across guide rollers |00 and IEJI to the wind up roll or roller K.

To sever the squeegee stock after a desired length thereof has been thus applied to the carrier band or ply material, an electrically heated knife |02, supported on a rock shaft |04 journaled in the brackets 95, is moved or operated by a lever |05 xed to the shaft. The knife |02 is supported above and in parallel relation to the roller 93 so that it can be swung down into engagement with The arms 9| are of such length that the sheet of rubber squeegee stock trained about the roller. A spring |06 attached to the lever |65 normally holds the knife |02 in elevated position out of contact with the squeegee stock.

The flexible canvas belt or endless carrier lil is supported on a cylindrical building drum |61 disposed in the angle of the supporting structure of the builder. The drum is secured on a horizontal shaft |98 that turns in journals |09 secured to the top of the table plate 38 and is driven alternatively in either direction by a reversible electric motor ||0 secured to the base plate 84. This motor is connected to a speed reducer through a flexible coupling, the outlet shaft of the speed reducer carrying a sprocket about which is trained a chain I I2 also trained over a sprocket ||4 secured on the drum shaft |08.

A tensioning roller ||5 is received within the loop of the flexible carrier I0 and draws the latter snugly about the drum |01. The roller is mounted horizontally below the drum and in parallel relation thereto on a shaft H9 supported cantilever fashion in the end of a swinging arm |I'| secured on a shaft I I8 mounted to turn in brackets |9 secured to the uprights 85 of the supporting structure. Also secured on the shaft IIB and depending therefrom is an arm |20, the lower end of which is connected at |2| to the piston rod of a double-acting pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly |22. The cylinder is pivotally mounted at |23 to a bracket secured to the base plate 84. Introduction of air into the left end (Fig. '7) of the pneumatic cylinder assembly |22 draws the piston rod into the cylinder thereby raising the arm I I'| and the tensioning roller H5. Introduction of air into the opposite or right hand end of the cylinder acts through the lever and shaft to draw the arm downwardly and to tension the carrier I9 by means 0f the roller IIS.

The carrier l0 shown is used alternatively to other carriers similarly constructed of canvas or light exible material, the several carriers being of different lengths so that tire ply bands of different circumferential extent can be built. The canvas belts, though substantially inextensible, are subject to growth under long continued conditions of high stress or tension. Accordingly they are held substantially to predetermined lengths by limiting the distance between the rotational axes of the building drum |07 and the smaller tensioning roller ||5. Control of this spacing is effected by limiting the downward movement of the arm I One suitable means for positioning the tension roller |I5 in predetermind spaced relation with respect to the drum |01 comprises an arm |24 secured on the shaft I I8 to turn with the latter. This arm is engageable with a pin |25 which is receivable in one of a number of holes |26 formed in an upright I2'| supported on the base plate 84 adjacent the path of the arm |24. The upright |21 may be steadied by welding the same to one of the machine uprights 85.

During the band building processes the endless canvas band or carrier I0 is tensioned around the drum |07 and roller H5 by the downward force exerted on the roller ||5 by gravity and also -by the pneumatic assembly |22. The downward movement of the roller ||5 is limited by engagement of the arm |24 against the pin |25 so that, after initial stretching of a new carrier I0 to the desired predetermined size, objectionable stretching beyond the predetermined band size is avoided and the bands built on the machine are of uniform size.

In the building of p ly bands it is desirable that the operator be able accurately to control the application of the squeegee stock S to the building drum or carrier. The apparatus of the present invention provides for positive control of the squeegee stock by an arrangement which includes in combination an improved selective drive for operating alternatively either the shaft I2 which carries the liner take-up roll K or the shaft which carries the squeegee supply roll T. The

combination also includes a companion drive arrangement whereby power is applied simultaneously to the building drum or carrier and to the squeegee advancing means so that frictional drag is minimized between the building drum or the carrier and the squeegee applying roller 93.

Power for forward and reverse drive of the squeegee liner I-I is derived from an electric motor |28 secured to the base plate 84. This motor incorporates a speed reducer having an output shaft on which are secured a pair of drive sprockets |30 carrying drive chains |3| and |32. The drive c hain |3| is trained around a sprocket secured on a circular collar |33 rotatably mounted on a cylindrical quill |34 in turn rotatable on a horizontal shaft |35. This shaft is rotatable in spaced bearings |36 and |31 secured to a pair of the frame uprights 81. The collar |33 has a circular disc |38 on one end which drives a similar disc |39 secured against rotation on the quill I 34. A friction disc |4| may be interposed between the driving and driven discs |38 and |33, these parts constituting a friction drive and overload release held together by a helical coil spring |42 compressed between the collar |33 and a circular washer |44 carried on the sleeve or quill |34. The compression in the spring |42 and the torque transmitting capacity of the friction drive are adjusted by means of circumferentially spaced bolts |45 threaded through a second circular disc |46 secured on the quill |34. Suitable means such as locking collars hold the quill |34 against `axial shifting movement on the shaft I 35.

On the shaft at one end of the quill |34 is a torque transmitting clutch |48 of conventional construction. This clutch is actuatable by pneumatic pressure supplied, as will be later described, through a flexible conduit |49. One component of the clutch comprises a cylindrical drum keyed or otherwise secured against rotation on the end of the quill |34. The other component of the clutch |48 is secured on the shaft |35 to drive the latter when the clutch is engaged. The shaft |35 corresponds to the shaft 54 `of the Yapparatus shown in United States Patent 2,295,541, driving the liner take-'up shaft I2 (which is removable) through a conventional square socket and sliding collar assembly.

The drive chain 32 is trained about a sprocket secured on a sleeve |59 rotatable on shaft |5| journaled horizontally in bearings I 52 and |53 attached to the frame uprights 81 above the journals |36 and |31 for the take-up `drive shaft |35. The sleeve |5|), suitably restrained against axial movement on the shaft |5|, mounts, in nonrotative relation, the outer or drum com ponent of a pneumatic clutch |55 similar to the pneumatic clutch |48. The other component of the clutch |55 is secured on the shaft |5| to drive the latter when the clutch is energized by pneumatic or air pressure introduced through conduit |55. To supply air to the clutches |48 and |55 the shafts |35 and |5| are formed with axial-bores in their right hand ends (Fig. 9) the flexible conduits |49 and |56 being yconnected to the axial bores through suitable radial pasl0 sages. On the ends of the shafts |35 and |5| which project beyond the journals |31 and |53 are secured rotatable pneumatic couplings |51 which connect air supply conduits |58 and |53 to the axial bores in the shafts |35 and |5| respectively.

As viewed in Fig. 7, the squeegee drive motor |28, acting through the drive mechanism clutch |48, turns the liner take-up shaft I2 in a counterclockwise direction to draw the liner H and squeegee stock S off the supply roll T and feed it around the squeegee applying roller 93. Alternatively, operating through the clutch |55, the drive motor |28 turns the shaft in acounterclockwise direction to retract the liner and squeegee and withdraw squeegee from the applying roller 93. Overrunning of the shafts |35 and |5| when their respective pneumatic clutches are disconnected is prevented by band type friction brakes comprising drums |68 secured on the shafts and adjustable friction bands |5| carried by arms |62 secured to one of the frame uprights 81. Thus the liner H is kept taut.

Beneath the squeegee applying roller`93 and parallel thereto is disposed a' horizontal pres-l sure or stitching roller |64. This roller is supported between and journaled on the ends of horizontal slide bars mounted in bearings |86 provided in the frame members 89. Brackets 51 are secured to the slide bars |65 and are connected by links |68 to levers 10 secured on a cross rod or shaft |1| to which an arm`||9 is also secured. This cross shaft also supports the guide roller 98 and theswinging arms 9 Il. Springs |12 connected between the forward ends of the slide bars |65 and the frame members 89 normally hold the stitching roller |64 retracted. As described in the prior patent referred to, the stitching roller is formed with a yielding peripheral portion so that under pressure it conforms to the surface of rubber stock .and 4ply materials laid up on the carrier I U, thus serving to firmly unite superposed layers of band building materials.

Across the upper part of the stitching roller |54, parallel and adjacent to the surface thereof, is a safety strip |14 of yieldable material such as rubber or belting. This strip, supported as by being clamped between metal cross members |15 extending between brackets |16 secured 'to the forward ends of the slide bars |55, is disposed in the bight between the building drum |81 and the stitching roller |64 when the latter is advanced as in Fig. 8. Thus the yieldable strip |14 functions as a guard and warning to prevent the operators hand being drawn between the drum and the stitching roller.

After a ply band has been built on the carrier I8 the latter is clamped to the `drum |01 by a shoe |11 which holds the flexible carrier in place so that the built up ply band can be stripped away or separated. The shoe |11, arcuately curved to the contour of the drum surface, is secured to the end of the piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder assembly |18 comprising a double-acting piston. Thecylinder assembly is supported above the far end of the drum |81 on a horizontal arm |18 carried by a two-legged bracket |89. This bracket straddles 'the drum shaft |98 and is secured as by welding to the upper surface of the table plate `88. Air is introduced into the upper end of the pneumatic `cylinder |18 through a conduit IBI for the purpose of forcing the piston downwardly and movingthe shoe |11 against the drum |81. To

. 11 retract the shoe and hold the latter in raised position, air under pressure is introduced into the lower end of the cylinder |18 through a conduit |82.

CONTROL The band building apparatus of this invention is so arranged and laid out and provided with such controls that it can be readily and safely operated by relatively unskilled labor with a minimum of fatigue. 'I'he electrical wiring relays, solenoids, and related controls and also the pneumatic valves, tubing, conduits and supply are conventional in character. Except as specifically referred to herein and shown in detail on the drawings, the various control cornponents are represented in merely diagrammatic form in Fig. l1. In this diagram, which combines both the electrical and the pneumatic components, the electrical power supply is represented as a three phase line comprising conductors 84, |85 and |86, and the supply of air under pressure from a suitable source, not shown, is received through conductor |81 having several branches.

Operation oi the let-oil motor I4 is controlled by a relay switch |88 having an armature operated by a solenoid coil |89 governed by the photocell |1 to one terminal of which it is connected by electrical conductor |90. The other terminal of the photocell is connected to the line conductor 84. The solenoid is valso connected to line conductor |86 through the switch. The light source I8 for use with the photocell |1 in governing the let-off motor is connected to line conductors |84 and |85.

The drum drive motor is reversible and is connected to the three phase line through a solenoid actuated switch |93 for operation in forward direction to turn the drum |01 clockwise as viewed in Figs. '7 and 8. Reverse rotation of the drum, or counter-clockwise turning, as viewed in the same figures, is effected by energization of the motor I0 through a solenoid actuated switch |94. Energization of operating solenoid |95 of the switch |93 is governed by a foot operated switch |96 which may be located on the floor of the shop adjacent or on the machine base 84 and below the building drum.

The reverse switch 94 is operated by a solenoid |91 governed by a foot-actuated switch |98 which also may be located on the shop floor adjacent the switch |96. Conductors 200 and which connect the solenoids |95 and |91 to the switches |98 and |98, respectively, include safety interlock switches 202. The interlock switch governing the forward drive switch |93 is carried on armature 203 of the reverse switch |94, and the interlock switch in the solenoid circuit of the reverse drive switch |94 is carried on armature 204 of forward drive switch |93. Thus, closing of the foot switch |96 energizes the solenoid |95 of the forward drive control switch |93 to shift the armature 204 and close the contacts which connect the windings of motor l0 to the conductors |84, |85 and |86 of the electric current supply line for forward drive energization. The switch |96 and the armature 204 of the switch |93 are spring-loaded so that the circuits open when the operator removes his foot; accordingly, forward drive of the drum occurs only so long as the operator maintains pressure on the foot switch |90. The reverse drive control switch |98 and the armature 203 of the switch |94 are also springloaded, so that reverse drive of the drum motor ||0 and the drum occurs only so long as the pis- 12 ton maintains pressure on the foot switch |98. The armatures of all of the other electrical switches are likewise spring-loaded so that, upon de-energization of the actuating solenoids, the respective circuits are broken by opening of the switch contacts.

The squeegee drive motor |28 is connected to the electrical conductors |84, and |86 through a control switch 205 having a solenoid actuated spring-loaded armature 206 which, when energized, is arranged to close the contacts and supply electric current to the motor. Energization of solenoid 206 of the switch is subject to a dual control which includes manually actuatable forward and reverse button switches 201 and 208, respectively, and also the previously mentioned foot switches |96 and |98 the latter being respectively tied into the squeegee motor circuit through limit switches 209 and 2|0.

The manual switches 201 and 208 are contained in a box 2| supported on an upright post 2|2 secured to one of the frame uprights 81. These manual switches are so disposed as to be adjacent handle 99 of the lever 9S vwhen the latter is at its extreme limit of movement (Fig. 2)

in which the squeegee applying roller 93 is retracted. During operation of the apparatus in the building of ply bands, manual control of the squeegee motor |28 normally occurs only when the squeegee applying roller 93 is retracted from the building drum |01. When so retracted, the handle 99 of the lever which advances and retracts the roller serves as a rest for the operators hand vand the operator can locate the manual control buttons 201 and 208 without visual aid, permitting him to maintain close observation of theband building process.

The limit switches 209 and 2|0 are located in boxes carried on a platform suported by a bracket 2 |4 mounted on the table plate 88 of the supporting structure. Each of the limit switches has a pivotally mounted actuating arm 2|5, the end of which carries a roller 2|6 that is engaged and depressed by a cam plate 2|1 movable with the slide bars 94 that carry the squeegee roller 93. The cam plate 2|1 is supported in horizontal position by arm 2 i8 that extends laterally from the rear end of one of the slide bars 94. Desirably, the leading edge of the cam plate 2|1 is curved upwardly (Fig. 10) so as to ride over the rollers 2|6 on the limit switch arms. In the retracted position of the slide bars 94 (Figs. 1, 2 and 8'), the cam plate 2 |1 is withdrawn from the rollers 2|6 of the limit switches and the latter, bein-g spring-loaded or biased normally to remain open, interrupt the circuits therethrough. When the slide bars 94 are advanced by movement of the lever 98 to the position shown in Fig. '1, bringing the squeegee applying roller 93 against the drum |01, the cam plate 2|1 is advanced against the switch rollers 2|6 to turn the switch arms 2|5 and close the limit switches 209 and 2|0'. Thus when the squeegee applying roller 93 is advanced against the building drum the circuit of the squeegee motor |28 is tied to the foot Switches |96 and |98 by the closed limit switches 209 and 2|0 through electrical conductors 2|9 and 220, respectively. A parallel arrangement for synchronously and simultaneously actuating both the drum drive motor |0 and the squeegee drive motor |28 is thus provided.

Although the manual switches 201 and 208 and the limit switches 209 and 2|0 can be directly connected to the squeegee motor control switch 205, it is preferable to employ solenoid actuated relay switches 22| and 222. `Electromagnetic or solenoid coil 223v of the relay 22| is connected by wire conductor 224 to the manual forward drive control button 2c? and to the limit switch 229. Solenoid or electromagnetic coil `226 of the relay 222 is connected by wire 221 to the manualreverse control button and tothe limit switch 2l0. The other terminals of the solenoid or armature actuating coils 223 and 226 are connected to the main line conductor |85. These solenoid coils actuate armatures which carry the usual relay contacts. The switches 22| and 222 are arranged in parallel relation between the main line conductor |84 and the solenoid` 206 of the squeegee motor control switch 205, being connected to the latter by an electrical wire 22S. The solenoid 206 is also connected to main line conductor |86. Thus, by the parallel arrangement of the relays 22| and 222 the electrical circuit `for energizing the squeegee motor |22 is closed by operating either the manual forward control button 201 or the manual reverse control button 20S. Likewise, when the squeegee pressure roller 93 is advanced against the drum |01, so that the limit switches 209 and 2M are closed, the squeegee motor E28 is energized upon depressing either the forward control foot switch |96. or the reverse control foot switch |98. As previously described, the drivingconnection between the motor |22 and the squeegee carrier or liner H is effected in a forward direction by means of the huid-actuated clutch |48 interposed between the motor and the square shaft l2, which carries the take-up roll K. Reverse drive of the sdueegee liner is effected through the pneumatic clutch 55 interposed between the motor |28 and the square shaft carrying the squeegee supply roller T.

Control of the pneumatic clutches |42 and |55 is through spring-loaded electromagnetic or solenoid actuated three-way valves 236 and 235, re-

spectively. The valve 231| receives high pressure air or other pneumatic fluid from thesupply conduit |81 and, in response to energization of solenoid 232, opens to feed the fluid into the conduit |58 which carries the air or fluid to the clutch |413. Similarly, the valve 23| is connected to the iiuid supply conduit |81 and is arranged upon energization of its electromagnetic or solenoid coil 233 to admit high pressure fluid to the conduit 59 which carries the same to the clutch |55. ,f

The valves 23u and 23|, spring-loaded, remain open only during energization of their respective solenoid coils, and close instantly upon de-energization thereof. In closed position, each valve exhausts the pneumatic fluid from its respective clutch to interrupt the driving connection. One terminal of each of the solenoids 232 and 233 is connected to the main line conductor |85, the other terminals of the solenoids being connected to the respective forward and reverse drive control switches, i. e. the solenoid or electromagnetic coil 232 is connected to the electrical conductor 221l of the manual reverse control button 2% and the solenoid coil 233 is connected to the electrical conductor 226 of the manual forward control button 201.

Bodily shifting movement or withdrawal of the primary carriage 2|, carrying with it the secondary carriage 22, is effected by introducing air or other pneumatic fluid into the right-hand end `of the cylinder assembly 32 (Figs. 2 and 3) forcing the piston rod l2 out of the cylinder. This moves the primary carriage to the left on the rollers 21, the limit of movement being suitably determined as by abutments or stops, not shown,

14 or by the piston reaching its limit of travel in the air cylinder. The high pressure air or pneumatic fluid for thus effecting primary carriage movement is governed by a four-way two-position manually controlled pneumatic valve 235 supported on a bracket 236 carried across the uprights 2|] at the end of the ply feed unit B adjacent the operators station and connected to the fluid supply conduit |81. In one position the valve feeds high pressure air or other pneumatic fluid into the `right-hand end of the air cylinder 39 through tube or conductor 231, air from the left hand end of the air cylinder returning to the valve through conduit or tube 238 and exhausting to the atmosphere. In its other position the valve 235 feeds high pressure air or pneumatic fluid from the supply conduit |31 into the left hand end of the cylinder through the tube or conduit 238, air from the right hand end of the cylinder returning through the conductor 231 and exhausting to the atmosphere.

When the primary and secondary carriages are retracted, permitting the operator to enter between the tilting head or the rollers 54 and 62 of the ply table B and the building drum |91, a safety latch '2l-lil pivoted on a shoulder bolt 24| screwed into one of the side members 23 of the carriage engages behind a detent 242 secured to one of the side frame members 3B of the table. A stop 2li?, carried by the primary carriage side member is engaged by the latch 22|! to limit the downward swinging movement of the latter so.

that during retraction of the carriage the hooked end of the latch rides over curved cam surface `2151i of the detent 222 to drop behind the latter as the carriage reaches its limit of movement. The latch and detent prevent inadvertent forward movement of the carriages should the valve 235 be stripped or shifted while the operator is between the ply table and the building drum wl.

ln shifting the secondary carriage 22 into operative position with respect to the building drum lill it is desired also to bring either the top feed roller 5E or the bottom feed roller 52 to bear against the building drum. The supply of air or other pneumatic iiuid to the actuating cylinder assemblies 35 and 69 is governed by four-way valves 245 and 241. These valves connect the high pressure supply conduit i8? to the left ends of the cylinders through conductors or tubes 252 and 25|, respectively, and are spring-loaded normally to maintain the connections between the supply conduit and the branch conduits 250 and 25|, so that the carriages and the tilting head are held in the relative positions shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Conduite 222 and 2439 connect the valves to the right ends of the cylinder assemblies 35 and 69, respectively, being vented to the atmosphere through the valves and serving as return conduits. Solenoid coil 252 of the valve 246 and solenoid coil 253 of the valve 213i are connected by electrical conductors 254 and 255, respectively, to contacts in a three-position electrical switch Zet. Armature 725i of this Switch is connected to conductor |813 of the main power supply line. The other terminals of the valve solenoids 252 and 253 are connected to conductor |25 of the mam power supply line. When the armature 25.1 of the control switch 255 is in neutral position, as indicated by the full lines of operating handle Zi, Figure l1, the solenoids of valves 2,46 and `2li? are de-energized and the valves-connect the high pressure fluid supply line 81 to the left ends of the pneumatic cylinders 35 and 69. Movement of the control handle 26e of the switch 256 to the left (Fig. 11) throwsthe armature 251 against a contact 28|, to which is connected the conductor 254. Thus is energized the solenoid coil 252 of the valve 248, shifting the latter and admitting high pressure fluid into the left end of the cylinder 35 through the tube 258 so as to shift the piston therein and the rod 38 to the right, the right end of the cylinder being vented to the atmosphere through the conduit 288 and the solenoid valve. This actuation of the air cylinder assembly 65 advances the secondary carriage 22, moving the latter toward the building drum and forcing the lower rubber covered roller 62 against the drum. During this movement of the secondary carriage, air pressure is retained in the cylinder assembly 59 through the right hand supply conduit 289 to hold the piston and the piston rod 12 retracted. Return of the control handle 288 of the switch 258 to the solid line neutral position shown in Fig. 1l interrupts the energizing circuit for the solenoid 252 of the valve 226 and the spring action of the valve returns it to normal position, admitting air or pneumatic fluid into the right hand end of the cylinder assembly 35 through the conduit 288 and exhausting from the left hand end through the conduit 258. c Shifting of the switch control handle 238 to the right (Fig. 1l) brings the armature 251 against contacts 282 and 283, energizing the solenoid 252 through the electrical conductor 254 and energizing the solenoid 253 through the electrical conductor 255. The cylinder assembly 35 then functions as before, and simultaneously therewith, the piston and piston rod 12 of the air cylinder 69 are shifted to the right by admission of high pressure air or iiuid into the left end of the cylinder through the conduit 25|, the right end of the cylinder exhausting to the atmosphere through the conduit or tube 249 and the valve 281.

Movement of the piston rod 12 operates, as previously described, to tilt the feed table head in a clockwise direction (Figs. 2 and 3) to bring the upper rubber covered roller 54 into advanced position in which it is pressed against the building drum |81 by the movement of the secondary carriage 22. This shifting of the operating head on the secondary carriage moves forward the entire feed belt 41 and the ply material P thereon, the springs 52 being compressed at the opposite end of the conveyor suificiently to accommodate the tilting movement of the operating head. Upon return of the switch 256 to center or neutral position, the solenoids of the control valves 246 and 241 are simultaneously deenergized and the valves, by spring action, are returned to their normal positions in which high pressure fluid or air is introduced into the right ends of the cylinder assemblies 35 and 69 through the conduits 248 and 249, the left ends of the cylinder assemblies exhausting to the atmosphere through the conduits or tubes 258 and 25| and the valves. Desirably, lengths of nexible conduits or tubes, indicated at 254, are interposed in the pneumatic lines or conduits to accommodate relative movement of the parts. Y

High pressure or other pneumatic fluid is admitted alternatively to the opposite ends of the pneumatic cylinder assembly |22 through a fourway hand operated valve 266 mounted on the table plate 88 of the supporting structure. This is a two-position valve receiving high pressure air from the supply conduit |81. In one position the valve connects the high pressure air supply to the right hand end of the cylinder assembly |22 through the tubular conduit 261. Air thus admitted to the right hand end of the cylinder assembly acts to move the piston rod |29 out of the cylinder and to the left as viewed in Figs. 2, '1 and 11 to draw the tensioning roller ||5 downwardly. Air is simultaneously released from the left hand end of the cylinder assembly |22 through a conduit 288 and returned to the valve 266 through which it is exhausted to atmosphere. Movement of the hand valve 266 to its other position connects the conduit 288 to the high pressure supply line |81 admitting air or pneumatic fluid to the left end of the cylinder assembly |22, retracting the piston rod |29, and raising the pressure roller ||5 to release the tension in the flexible carrier I8. Air exhausting from the right hand end of the cylinder assembly is returned to the valve through the conduit 261 and released to the atmosphere.

The pneumatic cylinder assembly |18 which actuates the clamping shoe |11 is'connected to the pneumatic fluid supply conduit |81 through a four-way foot controlled valve 269. This valve is spring-loaded, normally connecting the uid supply line to the tubular conduit |82 for maintaining pressure in the cylinder |18 on the underside of the piston to hold the clamping shoe |11 in raised position. By depressing the pedal of the valve 269 the operator connects the conduit |8| to the supply line |81 for admission of the pneumatic fluid or air above the piston, thereby moving the clamping shoe |11 downwardly against the drum to clamp the carrier band I8. The conduits 8| and |82 alternatively are vented to atmosphere through the valve 269.

AOPERATION To build a tire ply band such, for example, as a band of the type having squeegee stock on the inside as well as between the layers of ply material, the operator, after selecting the carrier or endless belt I8 of proper size and tensioning the same about the drum |01 by lowering the pressure roller H5', advances the squeegee stock S to initial position by driving the take-up roller K, using the manual forward drive control button 281 for this purpose. When the movement of the liner H has thus drawn the leading end of the squeegee S onto the roller 93 the squeegee drive is stopped by releasing the control button 281. The operator, whose hand has been resting on the handle 99 of the lever 98 then swings the lever to the left to the position shown in Fig. '1 which presses the end of the squeegee stock adheringly against the carrier I8. 1f desired, an adhesion inducing agent such as naphtha may be initially applied to the carrier belt or parts thereof to insure sticking of the squeegee. The operator then energizes the drum motor H8 by depressing the forward drive control pedal switch |98 to turn the drum |81 in a clockwise direction as viewed in the drawings and as indicated by the arrows of Fig. 12, applying a layer FE1-270 of squeegee stock to the flexible carrier belt I8, the length of the squeegee stock band thus applied being predetermined by the carrier belt length. Closing of the foot switch |96, the limit switch 289 also being closed by reason of the advanced position of the sliding rods 94, energizes the relay 22| and the solenoid valve 230 to drivingly connect the squeegee motor |28 to rotate the liner takeup roll K and thereby advance the linei` H carrying the squeegee S simultaneously with the driving of the drum |81. This application of a driving force to the squeegee liner H reduces the force transmitted frictionally to the pressure 17 roller 93 and the squeegee liner H through the squeegee stock being applied to the drum and flexible carrier belt. The drive is so arranged that the squeegee motor |28 normally tends to advance the liner H slightly faster than the peripheral speed of the band building carrier I on the drum |01. Thus there is a tendency for the drum and carrier to be driven by the squeegee liner H during the squeegee applying process. By reason of the frictional engagement and the pressure between the roller 93 and the drum |01, slippage of the squeegee is prevented and differences in the speeds of the drives are compensated for or accommodated by slippage between the friction coupling discs or plates |38 and |39 (Fig. 9) in the squeegee drive.

The operator stops the drum and squeegee drive by releasing the pedal of the foot switch |95. The parts are'then substantially in the relative positions indicated in Fig. 12. With the pressure roller 93 stationary, the operator tilts the lever |05 to advance the heated cutter |02 against the squeegee and thereby sever the latter i the carrier I0, completing squeegee layer or band S410. The pressure roller 93 is then retracted from the drum |01 by moving the lever 93 to the right to the position indicated in Fig. 8.

With the leading end of the ply material P hanging over the yieldable rollers 54 and 62 of the ply table tilting head, as shown in Figs. i through 3 and 6, the operator shifts the hand lever 260 of the control switch 256 to the right hand position shown in Fig. 11, actuating the valve 245 to admit high pressure air or pneumatic fluid `to the left of the piston in the cylinder assembly 35 toshift the secondary carriage 22 to the rightt The valve 241, also energized through the switch 256 admits pneumatic fluid to the left of the piston in the cylinder assembly @9 rotating the tilting head of the ply table in a clockwise direction as viewed in the gures. The shifting` of the carriage and the rotating of the tilting head, occurring simultaneously, move the yieldable roller 54 against the building drum |01, the parts being positioned substantially as represented in Fig. 13. The tackiness of the rubber covered cords of the ply material P causes the latter to adhere to the carrier I0 and to the squeegee stock. S on the carrier belt. Through closing .of the rever'sefoot switch |98 the drum motor H0 is then energized to turn thedrum |31 in a reverse direction as indicated by the arrows of Fig. 13, this movement-oi the drum acting by frictionalengagement with the ply table belt 4,1- to move the'latter about the rotatable memberssupporting the same and to advance the plyrnat'erial P into the bight between the yieldable roller Ell-and the drum |01.4 The pressure between the drum and the roller continuously and progressively tacks the-ply material to the egible vcarrier mand to the sdueegee` S sothat, during continued, rotation of the drum.|01, the ply inaterial is carried around the path ofthe Flexible carrier belt forming ply layer P212. The operator, gauging by eye the desired length of the ply material strip thus applied to the carrier t0, stops the drumI movement by releasing the foot'switch .|98 and manually tears ply material Palcrlig a diagonal line paralleling the bias' cordel 18 therein, the tearing being made so as to provide a slight overlap of the ply material ends on the drum |01. The operator manually stitches or adheres the overlapped ends together in forming the customary splice, completing the ply band layer indicated at P-212 (Fig. 14)

After the transfer of ply material stock onto the carrier belt lil from the ply table belt 41, the ply table carriage 22 is retracted by manual movement of the lever 260 of the control switch 256 to middle or neutral position. With the ply table thus retracted from the drum, squeegee or band S-214 (Fig. 14) is applied about the ply layer P-212 in the same manner and using the same procedure as described in connection with the formation of the squeegee layer S-210.

In assembling bias cut fabric material into multiple ply tire building bands it may be desired to stagger the edges of the successive ply mate-4 rial layers to provide tapered thickness marginal portions about the completed ply bands. The present method and apparatus facilitates the osetting or staggering of the margins ofthe ply material. After the transfer of a layer of ply material from theply table B to the flexible carrier l0 the latter is .manually shifted axially on the drum |01 a distance corresponding to the desired oset between the ply material layers. In thus shifting the carrier |0 the operator first releases the tension in the latter by raising the tensioning roller H5 by means of the pneumatic cylinder |22, the control of this movement being effected through the two-position handle of switch 266.

After the shifting of the carrier I0 (and the squeegee stock bands S-210 and S-ZM, and the ply layer P-212 assembled thereon) the carrier is again tensioned by lowering the roller H5 through the action of the cylinder assembly |22 governed by the two-position hand switch. Prior to the application of additional layers of plyv material the stitching roller |66 may be advanced to bear against the drum |01 and the latter rotated to compact and adhere together the squeegee stock and the layer of ply material on the iiexible carrier. n

A second layer of ply material is placed about the first layer P-212 on the carrier I0 by again advancing the ply table carriage 22, governed by the manual switch 256. This time, however, the iever 25!! is shifted to the left hand position shown in Fig. 11 so as to energize only the valve 2tlg which admits high pressure air behind the piston of the cylinder assembly 35, the carriage thus being advanced with the tilting head lower roller S2 ahead of the upper roller 54 so as to bear against the drum |01 as shown in Fig. 14. rEhe operator then places and adheres the leading end of the ply material strip P on the previously applied layers of squeegee stock and ply material disposed across the top of the drum |01. Rotation of the drum |91 in a forward. or clockwise direction, indicated by the arrows of Fig. 14 and as actuated by the drum motor H0 when energized through closing of the foot switch |96, operates to feed the ply material onto the moving carrier iii from the ply table B. The frictional engagement between the lower roller 92 of the tilting head and the material carried by the drum |01 operates through the gears 641-61 tov linear speed as the outer surface of the materials i ron the drum and carrier belt I0. The operator stops the drum rotation by releasing the foot switch |95 when the ply materialP hasbeenguides 74 and 15.

19 carried around the entire circumferential length of the carrier it, forming a second ply layer P-2I6 laterally or axially offset or staggered with respect to the rst ply lay-er P-ZIZ, as shown in Fig. 16, by reason of the previous lateral shifting of the carrier belt lll on the drum. The ply material P is thus advanced each time over substantially the same path in moving onto the band building carrier ID, being directed as by the offsettingr of successive layers of ply material is accordingly predetermined by the shifting of the carrier IEI on the drum |01. With the drum stationary, the operator manually tears th-e ply material P diagonally across that portion of its length still Supported on the conveyor belt 'lll of the ply table, visually gauging the length to provide the usual overlap which he uses in manually forming the splice overlap across the top of the building drum IIJ'F.

After the application of the Second ply layer P-2716, the carriage 22 of the ply table is retracted by manually returning the switch control lever 259 to neutral position. Another layer S-Zl of squeegee stock is placed or wrapped about the layers of ply material by advancing the squeegee applying roller 93 and simultaneously feeding the squeegee stock and rotating the flexible carrier li) in the manner previously described. Thereafter the several layers of ply material and squeegee stock on th-e drum and carrier may be compacted and stitched together by advancing the pressure roller le@ and rotating the drum Ill'l.

Fig. illustrates an optional arrangement in which the ply material such as that forming the ply layer P-2l5 and the squeegee stock such as that forming the layer S-ZIS can be concurrently applied to the drum and simultaneously stitched in place by the pressure roller lll. This mode of operation reduces the time required to assemble the layers of ply material and squeegee stock on the carrier and is particularly economical inthe building of multiple layer ply bands having alternate layers of ply material and squeegee stock. In accordance with this method the ply table B is advanced by drum rotation to a position such as that shown in Fig. 15. The stitching roller E615 is then advanced to contact the layer P2l2 behind the leading end of the latter (since it may be desired to raise such leading end of the ply material in later making the splice). The squeegee applyingroller 93 is also advanced and the drum motor H0 energized for forward rotation. Energization of the drum motor through the switch E95 also energizes the squeegee drive motor 28 to feed the squeegee S onto the ply material carried by the drum and flexible carrier. The conveyor belt l? of the ply table B is also actuated by the frictional engagement of the lower roller 62 with` the drum to advance the ply material P onto the moving carrier it. After the ply material and the squeegee stock have thus been simultaneously applied about the carrier lll, the drum isl stopped, the ply material P is torn across on the bias, and its ends are overlapped and stitched together. With the y squeege pressure roller 93 still drum |01 with the stitching roller I6@ bearing against the drum.

As many layers of ply material P can be as sembled on the carrier and drum as may be desired, optionally separated from one another by one or more layers of the squeegee stockV S. Chafer and breaker strips can also be laid up on the carrier from reels or spools mounted on the builder C. Furthermore, the several layers of ply material and squeegee stock can be staggered or oifset from one another by axial shifting of the carrier l0 between the successive operations. Rotating the drum and carrier l0 forward and reverse in feeding the ply material layers onto the carrier belt lays the cords of the ply material diagonally across the ply band in crossed relation to the cords of the preceding ply layer.

To remove the completed ply band from the apparatus, the tensioning roller H5 is raised and the carrier I0 shifted, if necessary, under the clamping shoe ITI. Actuation of the foot valve 269 then operates to force the clampingshoe against the top of the carrier I 0 (which desirably is wider than the ply band built thereon) to: grip the carrier against the drum |01. .With thejflexible carrier IB thus held in place on the drum, the operator readily separates the now limp or untensioned carrier from the inside of the assemblcd ply band and lifts the latter from the drum. Thereafter the clamping shoe I'l'l is raised through release of the foot valve 269, the' flexible carrier l!) is tensioned by lowering of the roller H5 and the apparatus is ready for the building of the next ply band. y

In accordance with the patent statutes the principles of the present invention may be utilized in various Ways, numerous modifications and alterations being contemplated, substitution of parts and changes in construction being resorted to as desired, it being understood that the apparatus shown in the drawings and described above and the particular method set forth are given merely for purposes of explanation and illustration without intending to limit the scope of the claims to the specific details disclosed. l

What we claim is:

l. The method of making endless ply bands for use in building pneumatic vehicle tires which comprises supporting a carrier for movement about a closed path of predetermined length, advancing a strip of cord fabric material to the carrier while guiding the advancing strip over a predetermined feed path, securing the strip to the carrier and moving the carrier about the carrier path to lead the strip thereabout and thereby draw a first predetermined length of fabric material onto the carrier, severing the fabric length from the strip 2. In the building `of tire casings the methodof making ply bands on a rotatable support whichk comprises feeding substantially at strip cord fabric material over a guided path to the support, forming fed ply material into a first annular ply layer on the support, shifting the support axially to offset the rst ply layer supported thereby fromthe path of the ply material, and `there-j. after feeding additional ply material over the-1 same vpath to the-support and forming a 'second' attacca annular ply layer on the 'support in' yoffsetrelation to theiirst ply layen* Y 1 3. Band building apparatus comprising a substantially cylindricaldrum and means mounting the drum for rotation about 4a substantially hori zontal axis so that the top of the drum se'rvesasa work supporting surface, a substantially cylinV drical roller of less diameter than the drum and means mounting the roller for rotation about an axis below and parallelto the drum axis andfor up and down bodily movement toward and away from the drum, a iiexible endless carrier belt trained around the drum and the roller and 'eX-7 tending over the major portionof the length of each, means for moving the roller away from"` the drum to tension the carrier belt and 'drawthe belt against the top work surface of thedrum,` and stop means limiting such movement'of the roller to prevent stretching of the belt beyond' a'` predetermined length whereby the tensioned carrier belt measures plymaterial wrapped 'there'- about to predetermined length and the top work' surface of the drum supports measured ply material during the splicingof the ends thereof, the` tensioned carrier belt being 4in ContactV with thev ing a rotatable form and drive means thereior,

supply and-take up rolls Vwfor aflexible" liner and a gumrubber strip carriedby the liner and means mounting the rolls adjacent the form, guide means for the'liner to support theA latter between the supply and take up rolls, said guide means including a pressure member and means mount--` ingthe saine for movement laterally toward and away from the form, means for moving the pressure member against the form to press the gui'ded liner and gum rubber stock carried by the latter against the form, drive means for actuating the takeup roll to draw, the liner from the supply roll over the guide means and onto the take up roll, and control means effecting simultaneous actuation of the form drive means and thetake f up roll drive means. l

5, I n apparatus for buildingpneumatic cord tire casings a'rotatable form for making ply bands and feed means for supporting' continuous strip cord ply material and advancing the same to the' form,` said feed meansicomprisinga supb` porting structureareciprocable carriage mounts ed on thestructure for 'movementtoward and away from the forman endless flexible .conveyor belt'andvmeans mounting'the same on thecar riage including a rotatable member, and `means for advancing and retracti'ng the carriage lon the supporting structure to move the rotatable member against the form and thereby establish: a frictional drive therebetween to drive th'btlt` andf the ferm in unisonI and 'to withdraw the rotatable member from the f orm to interrupt said ldrivfe'; 6'. 'In combination in' apparatus for' building t'ire'rcasings,` a form on which to assemble ply bands andfeed means-for supporting continuous strip cord ply'material and advancing such material to the form, said feed `means comprising a supporting structure, a pairvofreciprocable carriages mounted one upon theloth'erl oni fthe struc-f form, an endless flexible conveyor belt 'andmeansl mounting the belt on the one carriage; and means for advancing and retracting the other carriage on the supporting structure for shifting both'.

carriages simultaneously toward and away` from the form.

7. In combination in apparatus for building tirel casings, a form on which to assemble ply bandsV and'feed means for supporting continuous strip` cord ply material and advancing th'eply material to the form, said feed means comprising a. supporting structure, a lirst carriage reciprocably mounted on the structure for movementftoward and away from the form, a second carriage reciprocably mounted on the first'carriagegmeans' for advancing and retracting the first carriage simultaneously to shift the carriages in unisonl between an operating position adjacent the form and a withdrawn position relatively removed' from the form, anV endless flexible conveyor belt and means including a rotatable `member mount# ing the belt on the'second carriage, and meansf for shifting the second carriage on the advanced rst carriage to move the belt mounting` rotatable' member toward and away from the band as sembly form. j

8. In apparatus for building cord ply band`s a' rotatable drum and electric drlveme'a'ns theres for, means movable to carry gum rubber stock' to `the drum and electric drive means thereion said gum stock carrying meansincluding a memf ber shiftable both toward and away from`,the

drum, and control means for the ,severaljdrive means, said control means including forward and reverse control means for the drum drive,` torward and reverse control means for' the gum stock drive, switch means for electrically inter locking the drinn drive control means and v the gum stock drive control means for simultaneous actuationof the drum and the gum stock carry` ing means. and means connected to move with the shiftable member for governing the inter# locking switchme'ans. r l

9. In apparatus for` building cord plyb'a'rids. a rotatable drum and drive means therefor, means movable to carry gum rubber stock tothe drum and. drive means therefor, said gum stock carrying means including a member shiftable both toward and away from the drum, and conf-'-V trol means for the several drive means, said control means including forward and reverse control means for the drum drive, forward and reverse Icontrol means for thegumstock drive, means for interlocking the drum drive control means i and the gum stock drive control means f or simull means for actuating the gum stock feed means alternatively in either direction to advance and retract gum rubber stock, said guml stock feed means including a member: mcuntediior'movemen-t towardand away from the drum,;and con-'- f trol :means 1 roti thev .'drivs, said. control means including forward and reverse control means for the drum drive means, forward and reverse control means for the gum stock feed drive means, means for interlocking the drum drive control means and the gum sto-ck feed control means for simultaneous forward rotation of the drum and forward movement of the gum stock feed means andfor simultaneous reverse rotation of the drum and reverse movement of the gum stock feed means, and means connected to move with said member for governing the interlocking means.

'1 1.,` In apparatus for building cord ply bands, a drum rotatable in forward and reverse directions, drive means for actuating the drum alternatively in either direction, gum rubber stock feed means movable in forward and reverse directions, drive means for actuatingthe gum stock feed means alternatively in either direction to advance and retract gum rubber stock, said gum stock feed means including a member mounted for movement toward and away from the drum, and control means for the drives, said control means inc luding forward and reverse control means for the drum drive means, forward and reverse control means for the gum stock feed drive means, means for interlocking the drum drive control means and the gum stock feed control means for simultaneous forward rotation of the drum and forward movement of the'gum stock feed means and for simultaneous reverse rotation of the drum and reversevmovement -of the gum stock feed means, and means connected to move with said member for governing the interlocking means, said governing means being arranged upon movement of said member toward the drum to set the interlocking means for said simultaneous forward and reverse rotation and movement in response to operation of one of the for- Ward and reverse control means.

l2,.In combination in apparatus for building tirefcasings a form on which to assemble ply bands and feed means for supporting continuous strip cord ply material and advancing such material 'to theform, said feed means comprising a supporting structure and a pair of reciprocable carriages, the carriages being mounted one upon the other and the other upon the supporting structure for relative movement and for movement toward and away from the form, an endless conveyor and means mounting the conveyor on the one carriage, and means for advancing andretracting the other carriage on the sup- ,porting structure for shifting both carriages simultaneously toward and away from the form. 13. In combination in apparatus for building tire casings, a form on which to assemble ply bands and'feed'means for supporting continuous strip cord'ply material and advancing such material to the form, said feed means comprising'a supporting structure and a pair of reciprocable carriages, the carriages being mounted one upon the other and the other upon the supporting structure for relative movement and for movement toward and away from the form, an endless-conveyor andmeans mounting the conveyor on the one-carriage, means for advancing and retracting the'otlier carriage on-the supporting structure for shifting both carriagessimultaneously toward and away from the form, and spaced guides mounted on the one carriage and shiftable therewith for engaging the edges of strip cord ply material and directing such ply materialronto the one conveyor.

114. In-'combinationrin apparatus'for building tirecasings, fa form jon whcli',l to; 'assemble ply bands and feed means for supporting continuous strip cord ply material and advancing such material to the form, said feed means comprising a supporting structure and a pair of reciprocable carriages, the carriages being mounted one upon the other and the other upon the supporting structure for relative movement and for movement `toward and away from the form, an endless conveyor and means mounting the conveyor on the one carriage, means for advancing and retracting the other carriage on the supporting structure for shifting both carriages simultaneously toward and away from the form, spaced guides mounted on the one carriage and shiftable in unison therewith for engaging the edges of strip cord ply material and directing such ply material onto the one conveyor, and screw means engageable with at least one of the guides for shifting the guides relatively toward and away from one another in adjusting the guides to receive cord ply material strips of different widths. v

15. In combination in apparatus for building ply bands, a form on which to assemble the ply bands and feed means for supporting continuous strip cord ply material andv advancing such material to the form, said feed means c-omprising a supporting structure, a carriage reciprocably mounted ,on the structure for movement toward and away from the form, an endless conveyor and means mounting the conveyor on the carriage for bodily movement of the conveyor with the carriage toward and away from the form, and a pair of sp-aced guides mountedon-the carriage for simultaneous reciprocable`movement in unison therewith, said guides being positioned to engage the margins of strip ply material being drawn onto the carriage by the conveyor and to direct such strip material along a predetermined path over the conveyor and carriage.

16. In combination in apparatus for building! ply bands, a form on which to assemble the ply bands andfeed means for Vsupporting continuous strip cord ply material and advancing such material to the form, said feed means comprising a supporting structure, a carriage reciprocably mounted on the structure for movement toward and away from the form,` an endless conveyor and means mounting the conveyor on the carriage for bodily movement of theconveyor with the carriage toward and away from the form, and a pair of spaced guides and means mounting the guides on the carriage for Amovement, in unison therewith, said guides being positioned/to engage the margins of strip ply material 'beinga-drawn onto the carriageby'the conveyor and todirect such strip material along a predetermined path over the conveyor and carriage, the guide mounting means including a rotatable screw having connection with at least'one of the guides for shifting the guides relatively toward and away from one another to adjust the guides to receive ply material strips of different widths. l

17. In -combination in apparatus Ifor building ply bands, a form on which to assemble the ply bands and feed means for supporting continuous strip cord ply material and advancing the ply material to the form, said feed means comprising a supporting structure, ja first carriage reciprocably Vmounted on the structure for movement toward and away from the f ormf a second'arriage reciprocably mounted on the first @niega-means having-connectionwith the 4nrst carriagemto advanceand retract the carriagesjin unisonbetween an operating station adjacent thejform anda retracted position relatively removed from the form, an endless conveyor and means mounting the conveyor on the second carriage, andfmeansfor shifting the second; carriage on Athe first carriage to move the conveyornrelatively toward and away from the form while the carriages are at the operating station. t y

185m combination in apparatus for building ply bands.r a form on which to assemble the ply bands 'and feed means `for supporting continuous strip cord ply material and advancing the ply materialto fthe'form, said feed means comprising a supporting structure, `a iirstcarriage reciprocably mounted on the structure for movement toward and away fromthe form, a second carriage` reciprocably'mounted on the first carriage, fluid operated means having connection with the iir'st carriage toadvance and retract the carriages in unison between an operation stationiadjace'nt the forni and a retracted position relatively removed from,theform,f an endless conveyor and means `nc'niiitng the iconveyor'on Fthe second carriage, means for shifting -t'he'second carriage on the iirs't carriage'to move fthe conveyor relatively" toward and away fi'mtheforn ivhilethe carriages are atfthe operating station,` and control means for `govorming`the fluid operated means; s e

'19. In` combination apparatusv for building bands, a form on which to assemble the 'ply ds and feedmeans forsupporting continuous y p cord "plyiaterial'aiid advancing the ply ppb nig structure, afirs't carriagereciproably in criterion the structure for movement toi jrd' `vlawayfro'm offering lsecond carriage 4 cblyuloiin'ti bi1 the' st carriage,` liid ated meanfshaving connection with the first e f ge Lto advance "and "retractjthe carriages in fnisori Betw'- anmbperating station adj'acent 4the form and"aretacte'dposition relatively removed ifroirij e the i form; endllessV` conveyor and u1-innameconveyor-en triescondcarpeali'd llllijris"fOI Shifting" th "SeC- y on 'the 'nrs-t earriagev to move the enveyorfer i j "w le` `)the carriages are atvr the ,operating and control' means governing the operadtion o he `several uidoperatedmans.

2'0 In com nation `in1:ipparatus for building l n a rn'onww ich to assemble the p1y iid feed means for supportingicontinuous u e ltothfrmisaid feed means' comprising a s pportingsltructure, a first carriage reciprocabl "mounted nfthesitiucture" for movement e ahoraway riem' the form,- a second carse yr clprocamy imuritedf "on `the nist* carr gejfmeansfhaving "connection" with 'the first carriage "to" advance nd 'retract the `carriages in n" `be e peratingsV ation`adjacent da retracted position rela-tively 1re- Y y j th-forrngin; dlesscnveyorand means mounting f'the\coiweyef` on' the second carriage, fluid operated means for shftinglthe second carriage 'on the first carriage to move the "c veyoff Arelatively toward* and i away from the yform*v'vfliile the :carriages -are at' the operating tion; Varidf'cor'itrol" means governing the' fluid `t cans. l i y zic mbination'iiii apparatus for building bands; said *form including a" rotatable coml-toftlieiform, said feed means comprising y -movement toward and away from the form, an.

endless flexible conveyor belt and means mounting the belt on the one carriage, means for advancing and retracting the other carriage `on the supporting structure for shifting -both carriages toward and away from the-form, and means for `advancing `and retracting the one carriage to shift such one carriage and the conveyor mounted thereon toward the form and to move the endless belt to bear against the rotatable component of the form to be frictionally driven thereby.

22 In combination apparatus for' building ply bands, a form on which to assemble the' ply bands and feed means for supporting continuous strip cord ply material and advancing the ply material to the form, said feedmeans comprising a supporting structure, a first carriage reciprocably mounted on the structure for movement toward and away from the form, a second carriage reciprocably mounted on the iirst carriage',` fluid operated `means having connection with the rst carriage toadvance andiretract the carriages in unison between an operating station adjacent the form and a retracted position relatively removed from the form, an endless conveyor ahd means mounting the conveyor on the second carriage, means for shiftingl the secondcarriage on the first carriage to move the conveyor relatively toward `and away from the form while the carriages are at the operating station, releasable latch means automatically effecting interconnection of the rst carriage and the supporting structure upon movement of the rst carriage 'to retracted positionto prevent movement of the carriages to the operating `station,and control means for governing-theuid operate'dmeans. i

23. In combination in apparatus for building ply bands of layers of ply material and gun rub- `pressure member including arreciprocable and manually operable lever, electric drive means for the form drum, electricfdrive means for the supply and taire up elementspand control meansgoverning the several electric fdrives, Ysaid control means including forward and reverse elements for the forrn-drum drive and separate forward and `reverse elementsfor the supply' and take up drive,

said separate"` forward andi reverse elements being ldisposed adjacent Vthe manual lever `at one limit `of movement of the latter for manual manipula- 'operator that retains control of 1suchlever. e

24. In combination in apparatus forbuilding ply tion` of such elements l by the same hand1 of the bands, a form comprising arotatable drum on which to'assernblev the ply bands; means for driving the drum;` andff means for supplying.4 feeding 

